Amount of food waste here hits record high

Last year, only about 12 per cent of the total output in food waste was recycled. NEA says it is studying more recycling methods, taking into account cost-effectiveness, practicality and sustainability. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

By Walter Sim

From the factory right down to the dining table, more food is being dumped in Singapore.

A new record was set for food wastage last year as 703,200 tonnes were generated - a 26 per cent spike from the 558,900 tonnes produced in 2007.

This far outpaced the 15.8 per cent growth in the local population over the same period.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said that besides population growth, a rise in tourist arrivals and increasing affluence had contributed to the problem.